FAQS for Fall Welcome

What is the purpose of attending Fall Welcome?

The purpose of Fall Welcome is to give you all the tools you need to get an excellent start to your college career; in particular, we want you to become an engaged college student. Fall Welcome helps you develop the skills you need to feel prepared for the fall semester on the first day of class. You will meet your roommate and begin developing new friendships, and we'll help you find that student organization that is just right for you. Finally, it is our expectation that Fall Welcome will help you navigate your way around campus and become acquainted with the campus resources that are critical to your student success.

At Western Michigan University, it is our strong position that all first-year students will benefit from this program. Your participation in the activities during the week will help you make the transition from high school to college and help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings, which will ultimately help you succeed during your first semester and beyond.

Do I need to register?

First-year students do NOT need to register. If you are enrolled for the fall and planning on attending WMU, then you are automatically registered for Fall Welcome. Students need to contact our office ONLY if they have questions or concerns about their registration.

Transfer students, however, will still need to register if they wish to participate in Transfer Express. More information regarding transfer students can be found below.

What kind of fun activities will I participate in at Fall Welcome?

You will have the opportunity to meet nearly three thousand other students; participate in interest sessions that will help you prepare for college; connect with faculty and staff; move into your residence hall room the week before classes start; have early access to the Bookstore; receive the official Fall Welcome t-shirt and other giveaways; participate in the Buster's Moonlight Stampede- a 3k fun run through campus and one of the biggest social events at Fall Welcome; be entered to win daily prize drawings; participate in social activities such as dances, entertainment, concerts, and a downtown Kalamazoo scavenger hunt; and Student Recreation Center activities.

How much does Fall Welcome cost?

Fall Welcome costs $235 for students living on campus and $165 for commuter students. This fee covers all costs associated with the week. $100 additional fee if you do not follow the move-in schedule and move in a day earlier than your assigned day.

Where should I call to arrange accommodation for a disability?

To make accommodations, please call the First-Year Experience Office at
(269) 387-2167.

What if I cannot attend?

All first-year students are expected to attend Fall Welcome. Please contact the First-Year Experience Office at (269) 387-2167 if you have questions or concerns about your registration, or if you have a circumstance that prevents you from attending Fall Welcome.

What about band students and fall sport athletes?

Because of conflicting practice schedules, students who are members of the Bronco Marching Band or fall sport athletes are exempt from participating in Fall Welcome.

What should I bring?

You should bring everything that you are planning to bring to college with you. All belongings must meet residence hall policies and guidelines. This is an excellent opportunity to move completely into your residence hall. Don't forget to bring your new Bronco ID card; you will need it at move-in!

Will I be in my permanent residence hall assignment?

Yes! If living on campus, you will move into your residence hall room to which you are assigned for the fall semester.

When do I move in?

Where do I check in for Fall Welcome?

Participants should check into their fall residence hall. At that time, participants will be given their Fall Welcome group number and other program information.

Commuter students will check in at the Bernhard Center.

Where should I park my car during Fall Welcome and will I need a parking pass?

During Fall Welcome, you may park in any of the student lots on campus, which are the C, F, K and W lots. You may register on-line and you may obtain your parking sticker at the Bernhard Center or Lawson Ice Arena for the fall semester.

Can transfer students participate in Fall Welcome?

Yes! We have a program geared specifically towards transfer students called Transfer Express. The fee to participate in Transfer Express is $235 for students living on campus and $165 for students living off campus. You will be in a small group with other transfer students, and you all attend a few Fall Welcome events along with a few programs especially for transfer students. This is a great way to meet your peers and get connected to the university.

Registration for Transfer Express: simply logon to the Go WMU portal (through our homepage at www.wmich.edu), sign on with your username and password, click on the box for First-Year Experience, and follow the links for Fall Welcome. The system will recognize you as a transfer student and you will automatically be signed up for Transfer Express.

Will there be a vegetarian option at meals?

Yes, Western Michigan University dining services always provides vegetarian options at every meal.

What is a Fall Welcome Ambassador?

A Fall Welcome Ambassador is an upper class WMU student leader. These students volunteer their time during Fall Welcome to serve as peer leaders for small groups of first-year participants. Their role is to help you get better acquainted with campus, other first-year students, and WMU faculty and staff.

Who do I contact if I have a question or concern?

If you have questions concerning the Fall Welcome program, send an e-mail to:Fall-Welcome@wmich.edu or call the First-Year Experience Office at (269) 387-2167.